Gorov Music Marketing

Saxophonist Dave McMurray has released his new single “The Jungaleers,” taken from his Blue Note Records release I LOVE LIFE even when I’m hurting. The album is an affirmation of his indomitable spirit and a celebration of the love that he has for his hometown of Detroit, as well as for the many musicians with which he’s collaborated.

“The Jungaleers” shuffles to an Afrobeat groove concocted by drummer Jeff Canady and percussionist Mahindi Masai. The additional propulsion is provided by none other than bassist and producer Don Was, a longtime collaborator of McMurray and Blue Note Records president.

McMurray conceived of the album title I LOVE LIFE even when I’m hurting after having a deep discussion about the death of a friend who had been worn down by illness, eventually giving up and dying alone. McMurray’s response to that painful revelation was one of resilience: “Man, I love life even when I’m hurting.” Afterward McMurray wrote down that statement because it meant so much to him. “That ended up being the album title, because I kind of wrote songs around that,” he explained, “songs about positivity.”

“The Jungaleers” song title refers to the mascot of Detroit’s Southeastern High School, where McMurray attended, even though he says that he had images of “four big African dudes marching” in his head when he wrote the tune.